The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Wildland Fire Service have implemented fire restrictions on all BLM-administered lands in Oregon and Washington, effective May 14, 2026 — an early move that reflects deepening concern about the region's explosive fire potential heading into summer.

What Is Prohibited

Under the new restrictions, the following are banned on all BLM-managed lands in both states:

  • Fireworks of any kind
  • Exploding targets or metallic targets
  • Steel component ammunition
  • Tracer or incendiary devices
  • Sky lanterns

Campfire restrictions vary by district. Some areas, including portions of Central Oregon BLM lands, have implemented broader bans that prohibit campfires, charcoal fires, and all other open flames, including portable propane campfires and wood pellet-burning devices. Visitors are strongly urged to check current restrictions and closures specific to their destination before heading out.

Why Now

The restrictions reflect the region's anomalous conditions this spring. Warmer-than-normal temperatures, below-normal snowpack, and early-season drying have pushed fuel conditions well ahead of historical norms. Agency leaders say the restriction window they're working in is narrowing fast.

"We are increasingly concerned that 2026 could rival the most extreme years on record for heat and dryness in the Pacific Northwest," said Jeff Fedrizzi, assistant chief of operations for the Pacific Northwest with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service. "Every visitor must understand that even one small spark can lead to a costly and destructive fire in these high-impact conditions."

Violations Carry Serious Consequences

The BLM is warning that violations of fire restrictions carry significant legal and financial consequences. Individuals who violate restrictions can face:

  • Fines of up to $100,000
  • Imprisonment of up to 12 months
  • Full liability for wildland fire suppression costs if a fire is caused

Suppression costs for large fires often reach into the millions — and sometimes tens of millions — of dollars.

How to Check Before You Go

Visitors to BLM lands in Oregon and Washington can check current fire restrictions and closures by visiting the BLM's website or calling their local BLM field office. The Wildland Fire Management website also maintains an updated map of fire restrictions nationwide. Given the rapidly changing conditions this season, officials are asking recreationists to verify restrictions immediately before any outdoor activity, as conditions can tighten with little notice.

The restrictions are expected to remain in place through the fire season and could escalate to additional measures if conditions worsen.